The Architecture Award Building-Integrated Solar Technology was launched by the Bavarian Association for the Promotion of Solar Energy in 2000, and has since been awarded ten times. The international award, which brings together architecture and solar energy, is open to projects from all over the world and honors outstanding planning and design of building-integrated solar installations.
During the most recent competition, the panel of judges selected some particularly interesting projects. The construction assignments are very varied, with different conditions, but all of the projects showed that the integration of solar technology is possible to a high standard while meeting design and technical ambitions.
The newbuild by Linara GmbH (a subsidiary of Solarlux) at the Innovapark industrial estate in Kaufbeuren sets new standards in architectural aesthetics for commercial buildings. The impressive building, which includes exhibition space, offices, and storage rooms, showcases the potential for high-quality design in industrial estates.
The design is based on the North-South orientation of the building complex, which allowed photovoltaics modules (145 kW) to be installed on the West- and East-facing façades. The PV active surface is increased by 7 percent by positioning the panels at an angle of 142 degrees towards each other. The frameless, matte PV modules are raised from the façade, making it appear shorter and more “alive”. Depending on the position of the sun, the design of the façade can be rhythmic or level and homogeneous.
The project was recognized as outstanding by the panel of the Architecture Award Building-Integrated Solar Technology 2024.
BIPV - der Zauber der Unsichtbaren (German)
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
4:00–5:30pm
Intersolar Forum, Hall A3, Booth A3.150
Session partners
Teil 1 – High-rise residential building in Regensburg
Teil 2 – Church in Trin, Switzerland
Teil 3 – Plus Energy Quarter in Stuttgart, Germany